Memphis women's soccer to host Wisconsin in first round of NCAA tournament

The Memphis women's soccer team found out it will host Wisconsin in the first round of the NCAA tournament during Monday's selection show watch party at Brookhaven Pub & Grill.(Photo: Jason Munz/The Commercial Appeal)Buy Photo

On Monday, the 19th-ranked Tigers learned they would host No. 22 Wisconsin. Kickoff has been set for 7 p.m. Friday at Mike Rose Soccer Complex.

Once the suspense was relieved, jubilation was quickly followed by determination at the NCAA tournament selection show watch party.

"This was an expectation we set from Day 1," said Monaghan, who is in his 19th season as coach. "So no surprise with this group of kids. Wisconsin (is) a big shock to me. I was expecting maybe a Lipscomb or an Arkansas-Little Rock or somebody like that. But excited to still be playing right now."

Memphis (17-3) has won five straight matches, outscoring the opposition 13-2 during that span. The Tigers are tied for first in the country with 13 shutouts and rank eighth with 2.50 goals per game.

The team's NCAA tournament appearance will be its seventh in school history and second since 2011.

"This past weekend, proving to themselves they could beat two of the teams that beat them (earlier this season)," Monaghan said. "Actually, we beat them pretty handily. So I think our confidence is where it needs to be. I think if we bring the same mentality we brought this past weekend, we can play with anybody."

Clarissa Larisey, a sophomore forward, is the Tigers' leading scorer this season and is making her first trip to the NCAA tournament.

"Wisconsin ... I don't even know what conference (they're in)," the AAC first-team honoree said. "But I'm excited. I'm up for any challenge."